The Cowichan 49ers masters men's soccer team had another standout season, winning their record-tying sixth Tony Grover Cup championship on March 15 at Starlight Stadium in Victoria.
Their goal for the rest of the season was to still be playing on May 3, fighting for the Deryl Hughes Men's Masters 'A' Cup in the provincial final in Richmond.
On April 26 at the Sherman Road turf, the 49ers came within a couple of penalty kicks of accomplishing that goal. The 49ers played host to SC Pegasus. The teams were tied at 2-2 at full time. With the berth to the provincial final on the line, SC Pegasus fired five kicks to Cowichan's three, ending the 49ers' season just a bit too soon.
"We threw everything we had at them and ended up with an early lead," said team spokesperson Neall Rowlings.
Matt Arnett's header gave the 49ers the lead before Cowichan found themselves down 2-1 late in the game. Wesley Barrett equalized to 2-2.
"We had quite a few injuries but had a deep bench of seven spares, it just came down to PKs and theirs were perfect with all of their shots and we missed one by a hair," Rowlings said. "Pegasus is a strong squad, even stronger than last year and they won westerns. We know that they will do the province of B.C. proud."
Rowlings said the team is already planning next year and how to enhance their odds to do it again but get that one extra step further.
"We know we have the right core and the right family to achieve our provincial and national goals, but for now it's rest time for a few months," he said.
